Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Garner Remember James Van Der Beek
On the red carpet for AppleTV+ series "The Last Thing He Told Me" Thursday evening, Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Garner shared fond memories of James Van Der Beek, who passed away at 48 on Wednesday. With Witherspoon executive producing the "Legally Blonde" prequel series "Elle," which Van Der Beek had one of his final roles in, and Garner starring in and executive producing "The Last Thing He Told Me," the event was an emotional one for both actresses.
When Variety's Marc Malkin asked Witherspoon about working with the late "Dawson's Creek" actor, she said, "It was so fun because, you know, growing up in this business, we always knew James. He was always around. We went to parties together. It’s just a devastating loss. He’s been so loved in our community. He was always such a generous person and a man of very high character and high values. He brought that to everyday work on the set with our young cast. They just adored him."
Witherspoon continued, "He was always around. We went to parties together. It’s just a devastating loss." She also wrote on Instagram that she was "devastated" and continued, "What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action. Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time."
Garner told Malkin, "We grew up together. We celebrated their success, and James always brought his whole family into every room with him, and I just send all of my love to Kimberly and to their beautiful children." After Van Der Beek’s death, Garner wrote, "What a heartbreaking loss. So much love to you, Kimberly, and to your kids, as you navigate this tender time."
With "The Last Thing He Told Me" premiering its second season on February 20, and "Elle" premiering on July 1 on Amazon Prime, both actresses will continue to honor Van Der Beek's legacy through their work.
